Fluid conditioning system and process of conditioning fluid

ABSTRACT

A process of conditioning a fluid includes passing the fluid through a magnetic field. A fluid conditioning system includes a conduit adapted to allow fluid to pass from a pre-conditioned volume to a post-conditioned volume, and a magnet assembly including at least one magnet disposed such that magnetic field produced by the at least one magnet penetrates the conduit. The conduit is formed from a material that allows the magnetic field produced by the at least one magnet to have a magnetic effect on molecules of the fluid as the fluid passes through the conduit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is related to, and claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application for Patent No. 60/890,920, which was filed onFeb. 21, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods of conditioning water, and to systemsthat implement conditioning of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Boiler and cooling tower systems are used for a number of industrialapplications. Common to these applications is the presence of water inthe system, and the application of heat to the water at some point inthe system. Complex reactions can take place in the boiler system, someof which can lead to problems of scaling and corrosion. One of the mostcommon problems encountered in these systems is that of scale formation,that is, the precipitation of mineral contaminants in the water ontosurfaces of the heated system. The problem of scale formation has beenaddressed in many ways; conventional methods typically treat this as awater hardness issue, and use chemicals to “soften” the water in thesystem, by attempting to remove excess “hardness ions” such as calciumand magnesium ions.

Water molecules are in constant random motion as described by theBrownian motion phenomenon discovered in 1827 by the botanist RobertBrown and explained by Einstein in 1905. Consistent with kinetic theoryof modern physics, as the water temperature increases, the level ofwater molecule motion increases. Colloid, that is, the suspension oftiny particles in the water, is also affected by Brownian motion. Infact, the Brownian motion of the solution is what keeps the particles insuspension.

The most common ways to increase the Brownian motion have the sideeffect of increasing water temperature. For example, putting a flame tothe container or using microwave radiation will increase movement ofwater molecules, and naturally will increase the temperature as well.Because heat is produced it has been accepted that heat alone is thecause for scale to build and for dissolved oxygen to phase change to agas at temperature levels called the saturation point.

The relation between molecular motion and heat has concealed the factthat it is the increase of the water molecules' motion that breaks theindividual molecule's magnetic grip on the ions of calcium, carbonate,and dissolved oxygen that is the cause for the saturation points tooccur. That is, increasing the temperature of the water increases themotion of the water molecules until the saturation point is reached, butit is the physical phenomenon of the increased molecular motion, and notthe added heat itself, that causes the saturation point to be reached.The calcium and carbonate ions released from the magnetic grip of thewater molecule bond together and precipitate as individual crystals ofscale. Dissolved oxygen as single oxygen atoms bond together, producingO₂ and gas off in water systems open to atmosphere, or are removed fromclosed systems. Thus, mineral and dissolved oxygen saturation points ofwater are not produced by a chemical reaction. Rather, they aretriggered by a physical action.

Formulas have been used to predict when scale and oxygen would reachtheir saturation points. These formulas have used total hardness, totalalkalinity, pH, and temperature to determine when scale would form.Replacing “temperature” with “molecular motion” provides a more accuratedescription of how and when the saturation point of dissolved mineralsand oxygen will occur. Magnetic conditioning of water, such as bypassing a volume of water through a magnetic field or gradient, canprovide this effect, inducing molecular motion of water to simulate theheating effect. This, in turn, can be calculated as a factor indetermining the saturation point in the water volume of substances ofinterest.

When the saturation point will occur depends on the initial temperatureof the water before passing through the magnetic conditioner. A lowerinitial temperature of the water necessitates providing a larger numberof magnetic poles that the water must pass through in order to replicatethe “heating up” of water molecules. Unlike flames, microwaves, or othersources of heat, the increased motion of the water molecule isinstantaneous when the magnetic flux lines are encountered by the water.Each magnetic pole instantly rotates the water molecule 180-degrees asthe flux lines of the north and south poles are met. Like poles arerepelled and unlike poles are attracted, making motions violent andproducing two 180-degree motions per magnet after passing the pole ofthe first magnet. Heating with a flame takes BTUs plus time to increasethe molecular motion. Heating with radiation, plus time, also increasesmolecular motion.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The magnetic fluid conditioner of the invention uses a magnetic fieldplus a water velocity over the linear distance of the influence of themagnetic field as analogs of the time of exposure used to raise themolecular motion by flame or radiation. An advantage with magnets isthat temperature is not raised; only the Brownian motion of the watermolecules is increased. The increase in motion of the water moleculescaused by the magnetic field also reduces the amount of energy requiredto raise the temperature of water to the desired level in boilersystems.

According to an aspect of the invention, a fluid conditioning systemincludes a conduit adapted to allow fluid to pass from a pre-conditionedvolume to a post-conditioned volume, and a magnet assembly including atleast one magnet disposed such that magnetic field produced by the atleast one magnet penetrates the conduit. The conduit is formed from amaterial that allows the magnetic field produced by the at least onemagnet to have a magnetic effect on molecules of the fluid as the fluidpasses through the conduit.

For example, the magnet assembly can include a first magnet pole, havinga first polarity, arranged outside a first sidewall of the conduit, anda second magnet pole, having a second polarity, arranged outside asecond sidewall of the conduit opposite the first sidewall of theconduit.

Alternatively, the magnet assembly can be arranged such that the atleast one magnet is disposed within the conduit, spaced from innersidewalls of the conduit. Preferably in this case, the at least onemagnet is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the conduit.

In another preferred embodiment, the conduit includes an inner shell andan outer shell. The inner shell is a substantially cylindrical firstconduit element in which the at least one magnet is disposed and whichincludes a first port for fluid communication with one of thepre-conditioned volume and the post-conditioned volume. The outer shellis a substantially cylindrical second conduit element disposed in fluidcommunication with and partially encloses the inner shell and whichincludes a second port for fluid communication with the other of thepre-conditioned volume and the post-conditioned volume. The inner shelland the outer shell are otherwise closed so as to define a fluid pathbetween the first and second ports.

The conduit preferably is made of a non-ferrous material.

The fluid conditioning system can be used to condition any fluid, suchas water.

The pre-conditioned volume and the post-conditioned volume can beincluded as part of the fluid conditioning system.

A volume of the conduit defined by a cross-section of the conduit and alength of the conduit corresponding to the region of magnetic fieldpenetration of the conduit is a conditioning volume of the system. Theconduit preferably has a cross-sectional area designed to maintain aflow rate of the fluid through the conditioning volume within apre-determined range. The predetermined range can be predetermined, forexample, as a factor in combination with the field strength toprecipitate an ion, which can be pre-selected, from the fluid in theconditioning volume. Examples of the pre-selected ion are sodium,calcium, carbon, and selenium. The fluid conditioning system can includea pump adapted to maintain a flow rate of the fluid through theconditioning volume within the pre-determined range.

According to another aspect of the invention, a process of conditioninga fluid includes passing the fluid through a magnetic field.

For example, the process can include arranging at least one magnet suchthat magnetic field produced by the at least one magnet penetrates afluid conduit, and passing the fluid through the conduit, therebypassing the fluid through the magnetic field produced by the at leastone magnet.

The at least one magnet can include opposing magnet poles disposedoutside opposite walls of the fluid conduit. Alternatively, the at leastone magnet can include at least one magnet disposed within the fluidconduit and spaced from inner sidewalls of the fluid conduit.

The process can also include maintaining a flow rate of the fluidthrough the conditioning volume within a pre-determined range. Forexample, a pump can be used to maintain the flow rate of the fluidthrough the conditioning volume within the pre-determined range.Preferably, the range is predetermined as a factor in combination with afield strength of the magnetic field such that a pre-selected ion isprecipitated from the fluid in the conditioning volume. Examples of thepre-selected ion are sodium, calcium, carbon, and selenium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the fluidconditioning system of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of thefluid conditioning system of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of thefluid conditioning system of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a partially-assembled construction of the embodiment ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a Venturi skirt that can be used with the embodiment ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a cut-away view of the conditioning head of FIG. 4 with aview of the Venturi skirt of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a process of conditioning a fluid that includespassing the fluid through a magnetic field, and an apparatus that isadapted to perform such a process. According to the invention, magneticmaterial is arranged such that the resulting magnetic field penetrates afluid conduit, so that passing the fluid through the conduit results inpassing the fluid through the magnetic field. Preferably, a flow rate ofthe fluid through the conditioning volume is maintained within apre-determined range, calculated with respect to the strength of themagnetic field, such that a pre-selected ion is precipitated from thefluid. The ion will then pass through the post-conditioned portion ofthe system without causing scaling effects and, in the case of gaseousions, will pass into the atmosphere in open systems. The rate of flow ofthe water passing through the conditioning volume can be controlledthrough the use of a pump or other device used to provide flow, and byspecification of the geometry of the conditioning volume. The rate offlow of the water being conditioned is very important, because thelinear distance covered in passing the magnetic material corresponds tothe time of exposure to the magnetic field. If the velocity is too slow,the induced molecular motion might not be violent enough to reach thesaturation point to precipitate the ions of interest.

By adjusting the parameters of the magnetic conditioning system, such asthe strength and physical dimensions of the magnets and the rate of flowof the fluid passing through the conditioning volume, it is possible toperform selective withdrawal of ions from the water based on the knowntemperature saturation point of that ion in water. That is, saturationpoint data derived from past temperature treatment studies can berelated to magnetic conditioning such that parameters of the magneticsystem can be adjusted to target ions of interest present in the waterto be conditioned. This would be especially useful in eliminating heavymetals, such as selenium, from water.

It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that magnetic materialcan take any form, including one or more discrete magnets. Termsdescribing magnetic material will be used interchangeably herein, andare not limiting of the particular form of material or discrete magnetsto be used. Also, the magnets need not be permanent magnets but also canbe, for example, electromagnets, or any other means of providing amagnetic field, and any such means is intended for advantageous use bythe process and apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown, afluid conditioning system 1 includes a conduit 2, a first magnet pole 3,and a second magnet pole 4. The conduit 2 is part of the flow path ofthe fluid as the fluid passes from a pre-conditioned volume 5 to apost-conditioned volume 6. The first magnet pole 3 has a first polarityand is arranged outside a first sidewall of the conduit 2; in thisexemplary embodiment, the first magnet pole 3 has a positive polarity.The second magnet pole 4 has a second polarity, in this embodiment anegative polarity, and is arranged outside a second sidewall of theconduit 2 opposite the first sidewall of the conduit 2.

The conduit 2 preferably is formed from a non-ferrous material, such assteel, copper, or plastic (PVC), to allow a magnetic effect of the firstand second magnetic poles 3, 4 to have a magnetic effect on molecules ofthe fluid as the fluid passes through the conduit 2. A conditioningvolume 7 of the system is defined as the volume bounded by across-section of the conduit 2 and a length of the conduit 2corresponding to the lengths of the first and second magnet poles 3, 4.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the conduit 2 is selected tomaintain a flow rate of the fluid through the conditioning volume 7within a pre-determined range. The first and second magnet poles producea magnetic field having a field strength within the conduit, and thepredetermined range is predetermined such that a pre-selected ionprecipitates from the fluid in the conditioning volume. For example, thepre-selected ion can be calcium, carbon, or selenium.

Alternatively, magnets can be disposed within the conduit, allowing thefluid to be conditioned as it flows past the magnets. As shown in FIG.2, this embodiment of a fluid conditioning system 11 includes a conduit12 and a magnet array 13. The conduit 12 is part of the flow path of thefluid as the fluid passes from a pre-conditioned volume 15 to apost-conditioned volume 16. The magnet array 13 is arranged within theconduit 12, preferably spaced some distance from an inner sidewall 14 ofthe conduit 12. For example, the conduit 12 can have a uniformcross-section, such as that of a cylinder, and the magnet array 13 canbe arranged along a longitudinal axis of the conduit 12, substantiallyevenly spaced from the inner sidewall 14 of the conduit 12 on all sides.Again, the conditioning volume 17 of the system is defined as the volumebounded by a cross-section of the conduit 12 and a length of the conduit12 corresponding to the length of the magnet array 13. As in theprevious example, the cross-sectional area of the conduit 12 is selectedto maintain a flow rate of the fluid through the conditioning volume 17within a pre-determined range. The magnet array 13 produce a magneticfield having a field strength within the conduit 12, and thepredetermined range is predetermined as a factor that, in combinationwith the field strength within the conduit 12, causes the pre-selectedion to precipitate from the fluid in the conditioning volume.

FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of the conditioning system 21,in which it is possible to subject the fluid to double-passconditioning. In this embodiment, the conduit 22 includes an innerconduit element 23 and an outer conduit element 24. These conduitelements can be, for example, cylinders. The inner conduit element 23preferably is arranged within the outer conduit element 24 such that thelongitudinal axes of the conduit elements align. As shown, the innerconduit element 23 extends from the outer conduit element 24 enough toprovide room for a fluid communication port 25 between the inner conduitelement 23 and either the pre-conditioned volume or the post-conditionedvolume. For ease of explanation, this port 25 will be designated as anoutput port for fluid communication from the conduit 22 to thepost-conditioned volume of the fluid to be conditioned, although it canfunction as either an input port or an output port, depending on thedirection of flow of the fluid within the conduit.

The inner conduit element 23 extends within the outer conduit element 24at one end 26, and is closed at the other end 27, at or at some distanceafter the output port 25. The end 26 of the inner conduit element 23extending within the outer conduit element 24 is open, providing fluidcommunication between the inner conduit element 23 and the outer conduitelement 24 at a first end 33 of the outer conduit element 24, where theflow changes direction in passing between the two conduit elements. Theouter conduit element 24 is closed at a second end 28, at or near afluid communication port 29 from the inner conduit element 23 to eitherthe pre-conditioned volume or the post-conditioned volume, heredesignated as an inlet port.

A magnetic core array 30 is arranged within the inner conduit element23, preferably along a longitudinal axis of the conduit elements. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic core array 30 extends from theclosed end 27 of the inner conduit element 23 to near the opposite end26 of the inner conduit element 23, although other particulararrangements are contemplated for advantageous use with similarembodiments of the water conditioning system of the invention. Fluid tobe conditioned flows in the inlet port 29 from the pre-conditionedvolume, through the outer conduit element 24 surrounding the innerconduit element 23, enters the inner conduit element 23 at the open end26, then flows through the inner conduit element 23 back toward theoutlet port 25 to be collected or used in the post-conditioned volume.The length of the magnetic core array 30 determines the size of theconditioning volume and the strength of the field produced by themagnetic core array 30 determines whether the conditioning volumeextends to the fluid path in the outer conduit element 24.

The magnetic core array 30 preferably is attached to a bronze flange 31,or similar connection, at one end, and the flange 31 in turn is attachedto a mating bronze fixture 32, or similar fixture, outside the closedend 27 of the inner conduit element 23. For ease of construction, theinner conduit element 23 preferably is made of copper and the outerconduit element preferably is made of steel. In certain applications,PVC can also be used. The magnetic core 30 preferably includes amagnetic material or discrete magnet components held by a container madeof non-ferrous material, such as copper. The flange connection of thecore 30 to the end 27 of the inner conduit element 23 allows for easyremoval and maintenance of the core 30, such as for cleaning of, forexample, accumulated metal particles. The other end 33 of the outerconduit element is connected to a plate 34 or other closure, preferablymade of metal such as aluminum.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, partially assembled. Asshown, a first component 37 of the outer conduit element 24 and an outerenclosure 38 for the fixed end of the inner conduit element 23 form aconditioner head 39 into which the inner conduit element 23 is inserted.The inner conduit element 23 is shown with the open end 26 exposed,extending from the conditioner head 39. This component 37 of the outerconduit element 24 includes the fluid inlet port 29, through which aportion of the inner conduit element 23 can be seen. The fluid outletport 25 is also shown as part of the conditioner head 39. The open end26 of the inner conduit element 23 is inserted into a second componentof the outer conduit element, and the two outer conduit element 24components are fixed together at mating fixtures 35, 36 (see FIG. 3) tocomplete construction of the conduit 22. As mentioned previously, themagnet assembly 30 can then be inserted through the other end 40 of theconditioner head 39.

A pump (not shown) is typically used to maintain flow of the fluidthrough the conduit 22. Controlling the pump output in turn controls theflow rate of the fluid. The flow rate can be increased through at leasta portion of the conditioning volume through the use of a Venturiimplement, such as an orifice plate. FIG. 5 shows a Venturi skirt 41that can be attached to the outside of the inner conduit element 23,providing a radial orifice plate that produces a Venturi effect on fluidpassing through the outer conduit element 24 in that region. FIG. 6shows a cutaway view of the conditioner head 39 and the Venturi skirt 41attached to the inner conduit element 23 within. The Venturi skirt 41 isoriented for the flow direction as designated in this exemplaryembodiment. For a reverse flow path, that is, in through the innerconduit element 23 port 25 and out through the outer conduit element 24port 29, the Venturi skirt 41 would be oriented in the oppositedirection, providing a gradual restriction of flow volume. As shown, theskirt 41 includes one or more seeding holes 42 for colloidal seeding ofthe fluid in the region of the Venturi skirt 41.

The system and process described herein has many applications inindustry. For example, the described system can be used in a feed tankfor a conventional boiler system or cooling tower. The discussion of theinvention to this point has been limited to conditioning of water.However, it should be apparent to those of skill in the art that theprinciples of the invention can be applied to any fluid, and the scopeof the invention is intended to cover conditioning of any fluid in likemanner. For example, fuels, including gasoline, diesel fuel, boiler fueloil, and natural gas can be conditioned according to the invention, atany phase of production of the fuel. Systems using reverse osmosisfiltering can use the conditioning method of the invention to enhancerecovery rates and reduce the scaling of membranes. Agriculturalapplications that use pumping systems, such as the processing oflivestock, and applications as diverse as forestry, hydroponics,nurseries, hot houses, and mushroom farming can benefit from theconditioning system and process of the invention. For example,conditioning of wine according to the invention prior to bottling toremove oxygen can obviate the need to add sulfites.

Particular exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail. These exemplary embodiments are illustrative of theinventive concept recited in the appended claims, and are not limitingof the scope or spirit of the present invention as contemplated by theinventor.

1. A fluid conditioning system, comprising: a conduit adapted to allowfluid to pass from a pre-conditioned volume to a post-conditionedvolume, wherein the conduit includes a first conduit element and asecond conduit element; a magnet assembly including at least one magnetdisposed such that magnetic field produced by the at least one magnetpenetrates a conditioning volume within the conduit; and a venturidevice; wherein the conduit is formed from a material that allows themagnetic field produced by the at least one magnet to have a magneticeffect on molecules of the fluid as the fluid passes through theconduit; wherein the magnet assembly is arranged such that the at leastone magnet is disposed within the conduit, spaced from inner sidewallsof the conduit; wherein the first conduit element, in which the at leastone magnet is disposed, includes a first port for fluid communicationwith one of the pre-conditioned volume and the post-conditioned volume;wherein the second conduit element is disposed in fluid communicationwith and partially encloses the first conduit element and includes asecond port for fluid communication with the other of thepre-conditioned volume and the post-conditioned volume; wherein thefirst conduit element and the second conduit element are otherwiseclosed so as to define a fluid path between the first and second ports;and wherein the venturi device is arranged outside of the first conduitelement and within the second conduit element.
 2. The fluid conditioningsystem of claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly includes: a first magnetpole, having a first polarity, arranged outside a first sidewall of theconduit; and a second magnet pole, having a second polarity that isopposite the first polarity, arranged outside a second sidewall of theconduit opposite the first sidewall of the conduit.
 3. The fluidconditioning system of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet isdisposed along a longitudinal axis of the conduit.
 4. The fluidconditioning system of claim 1, wherein the conduit is made of anon-ferrous material.
 5. The fluid conditioning system of claim 1,wherein the fluid is predominantly water.
 6. The fluid conditioningsystem of claim 1, further comprising the pre-conditioned volume and thepost-conditioned volume.
 7. The fluid conditioning system of claim 1,wherein a volume of the conduit defined by a cross-section of theconduit and a length of the conduit corresponding to the region ofmagnetic field penetration of the conduit is the conditioning volume ofthe system.
 8. The fluid conditioning system of claim 7, wherein theconduit has a cross-sectional area designed to maintain a flow rate ofthe fluid through the conditioning volume within a pre-determined range.9. The fluid conditioning system of claim 8, wherein the magnetic fieldproduced by the at least one magnet has a field strength within theconduit, and wherein the predetermined range is predetermined as afactor in combination with the field strength to precipitate a selectedion from the fluid in the conditioning volume.
 10. The fluidconditioning system of claim 9, wherein the ion is pre-selected from thegroup consisting of at least one of sodium, calcium, carbon, andselenium.
 11. The fluid conditioning system of claim 7, furthercomprising a pump adapted to maintain a flow rate of the fluid throughthe conditioning volume within a pre-determined range.
 12. The fluidconditioning system of claim 11, wherein the magnetic field produced bythe at least one magnet has a field strength within the conduit, andwherein the predetermined range is predetermined as a factor incombination with the field strength to precipitate a selected ion fromthe fluid in the conditioning volume.
 13. The fluid conditioning systemof claim 12, wherein the ion is pre-selected from the group consistingof at least one of sodium, calcium, carbon, and selenium.
 14. A processof conditioning a fluid, comprising: arranging at least one magnet suchthat a magnetic field produced by the at least one magnet penetrates aconditioning volume within a fluid conduit; arranging the conduit suchthat a fluid path passes through the conditioning volume at least twice;arranging a venturi device within the conduit; passing the fluid throughthe conduit, thereby passing the fluid through the magnetic fieldproduced by the at least one magnet and through a venturi region createdby flow of the fluid past the venturi device.
 15. The process of claim14, wherein the at least one magnet includes opposing magnet polesdisposed outside opposite walls of the fluid conduit.
 16. The process ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one magnet includes at least one magnetdisposed within the fluid conduit and spaced from inner sidewalls of thefluid conduit.
 17. The process of claim 14, further comprisingmaintaining a flow rate of the fluid through the conditioning volumewithin a pre-determined range.
 18. The process of claim 17, furthercomprising predetermining the range as a factor in combination with afield strength of the magnetic field such that a pre-selected ion isprecipitated from the fluid in the conditioning volume.
 19. The processof claim 18, wherein the pre-selected ion is at least one of calcium,carbon, and selenium.
 20. The process of claim 17, further comprisingusing a pump to maintain the flow rate of the fluid through theconditioning volume within the pre-determined range.